Judges, prosecutors, investigators, Court Enforcement Officers, and other Court personnel shall perform their functions independently, impartially, and without improper personal, political, financial, religious, or other influence.
A person shall not be considered conflicted solely because they know, have previously worked with, are related to, are friends with, or have another personal relationship with a person involved in a case.
A conflict of interest shall arise where the circumstances of a case create a genuine and substantial reason to believe that a person acting for the Court may be unable to perform their duties impartially or independently.
Circumstances that may require consideration of recusal include: a. a direct financial interest in the outcome of the case; b. a direct personal interest in the outcome; c. a close personal relationship that creates a substantial risk of partiality; d. previous direct involvement in the same matter in a conflicting professional or official capacity; e. having previously acted as legal representative for a party in the same matter; f. receiving a significant benefit or threat connected to the case; g. publicly expressing a predetermined position concerning the guilt or innocence of an accused person before the conclusion of proceedings; or h. any other circumstance that creates a genuine and substantial concern regarding impartiality.
A judge or other Court official who believes that a conflict may exist shall disclose the relevant circumstances in accordance with the Rules of the Court.
A party to proceedings may request the recusal of a judge or other person acting on behalf of the Court where the party has reasonable grounds to believe that a genuine conflict of interest exists.
A request for recusal shall be determined independently and shall not be decided solely by the person whose impartiality has been challenged.
The fact that a judge knows, has worked with, is related to, or is personally acquainted with a party, witness, victim, accused person, prosecutor, investigator, or other participant shall not by itself establish bias.
The Court shall distinguish between genuine conflicts of interest and ordinary professional, social, family, community, or personal relationships that do not affect a person's ability to act impartially.
A person shall not be removed from a case merely because of public pressure, political demands, media campaigns, online campaigns, personal accusations, or allegations unsupported by reasonable evidence.
Where a conflict of interest is established, the Court may require the person concerned to recuse themselves from the affected matter or may take another appropriate measure to preserve the integrity of the proceedings.
Where a conflict is disputed, the Court shall consider the evidence and circumstances objectively and shall provide reasons for its decision.
Judges shall not communicate privately with parties, witnesses, prosecutors, investigators, or other persons concerning the substance of a pending case except through lawful procedures authorised by the Court.
Judges and other Court personnel shall disclose significant financial interests, gifts, benefits, employment relationships, or other circumstances that could reasonably create a conflict of interest in accordance with the Rules of the Court.
No person shall be considered conflicted merely because they hold a particular religious belief, political opinion, philosophical position, nationality, cultural background, or personal viewpoint, provided that they remain capable of applying the law impartially.
The Court shall establish procedures for managing conflicts involving judges serving on multi-judge chambers, including the three-judge chambers established for high-profile or exceptionally serious cases where applicable.
Any deliberate concealment of a genuine and substantial conflict of interest may constitute misconduct and may be investigated under Article 23.
The Rules of the Court shall establish detailed procedures concerning disclosure, recusal, challenges to impartiality, conflicts of interest, financial interests, gifts, communications, and the resolution of disputed conflicts.